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A Creative Community Space
OUR THEATRE IS FOR EVERYONE, EVERYDAY
In the heart of our community lies Theatr Brycheiniog, a magical building that not only entertains but also weaves the enchantment of the arts into the fabric of our lives, breathing life into our community, fostering creativity, and igniting a shared passion for the performing arts.
Join us at Theatr Brycheiniog this spring as we discover how the creativity of our community intertwines with the arts in a spellbinding dance, and where every show holds the potential to inspire and change lives.
Spotlight on: Brecon Festival Ballet
About Brecon Festival Ballet
Brecon Festival Ballet is a registered charity, originally established to present a brand-new production of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, “The Nutcracker” at Theatr Brycheiniog for Christmas 2019. Not only was this the first time a full-scale professional version of this iconic ballet had been produced in Wales, but it was also the first time that Theatr Brycheiniog had presented a full-length ballet with a live orchestra!
Our production was created by Artistic Director Katy Sinnadurai, a ballet dancer and choreographer based in Brecon. All principal roles were performed by professional ballet dancers, with children’s and character roles taken by local dance students and actors. The corps de ballet roles were performed by full-time students from King's International Ballet Academy. The Snowflakes chorus was sung by a local choir, and the production was accompanied by the Welsh Chamber Orchestra.
This extremely ambitious project was made possible by grants and a fund-raising campaign which helped cover the costs of this exciting production. All performances played to sell-out audiences, and such was its success that Brecon Festival Ballet is now booked at Theatr Brycheiniog for future years to present Brecon’s very own regular Christmas ballet. In 2020 Katy Sinnadurai was awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for services to Dance education, training, and performance. Find out more https://www.breconfestivalballet.com
Check out these outstanding rehearsal images taken by Amy Azais
Interviews:
Katy Sinnadurai BEM - Artistic Director
How do you feel about this being your 50th production at Theatr Brycheiniog?
It’s hard to believe it’s been so many productions, time really flies when you’re having fun! It’s been a lot of hard work, but also a joy and a privilege to work with children and adults, professionals and amateurs, dancers, musicians and actors in such a wide variety of productions over the last 2 decades. When I look back on all the choreography I have done for Mid Wales Dance Academy, Westenders pantomime society, Brecon High School, Brecon Baroque Festival, the Strictly Come Dancing Tours and, of course, for Brecon Festival Ballet, a clear picture emerges of how much talent and enthusiasm there is for the performing arts in our town!
Can you tell us a little bit about this production and your artistic inspiration?
For this production I wanted to present two contrasting ballets, one familiar and one completely new.
Swan Lake Act 2 features the heartbreaking story (based on an ancient myth) of a woman trapped under a curse to remain in Swan form during the daytime, resuming her human form only at night. This Act is full of iconic choreography from the original production in 1877, including the White Swan pas de deux and the dance of the cygnets and is set to Tchaikovsky’s exquisite music. I danced in Swan Lake myself over 250 times in my ballet career and so it’s a pleasure to introduce a new young generation of dancers to this well-known and challenging classic.
In contrast, Tanio’r Ddraig (Fire up your Dragon!) is a brand new work that I’ve created for Brecon, based on well-known songs such as Sospan Fach, Myfanwy and Men of Harlech, and representing the life of a town onstage (maybe Brecon?!). In this ballet BFB’s professional dancers are joined onstage by 32 local talented dance students, with additional composition by local pianist, Penny Hughes (who plays live for the ballet) and paintings by local artist, Phil Clark, projected as a backdrop. This ballet is really my lovesong to Wales, the country I’ve called home for the last 24 years, and I hope audiences will recognise the songs and feel the enthusiasm and exuberance of the onstage cast!
What can the audience expect from this show and how does it differ from the Nutcracker?
The audience can expect to see two very different ballets in one evening, rather than one full-length ballet, such as the Nutcracker. There will be a complete change of mood during the interval: Swan Lake Act 2 creates a soulful and sorrowful atmosphere, while Tanio’r Ddraig is a big celebration of our life and culture! I hope audiences will enjoy seeing professional dancers at the top of their game performing in full-scale works they would normally have to travel to a city to see, but I hope they’ll also enjoy seeing our talented young dancers perform alongside our amazing professionals.
Lesley Walker - Company Secretary
Tell us a little about the roll you play in this production?
I have been involved with Brecon Festival Ballet since it first became an idea to have a full scale production of The Nutcracker in Brecon. Katy and I founded Brecon Festival Ballet Ltd, which later became a registered charity after the success of our first run.
As Company Secretary I am in charge of the financial side of the company and the administration, which is a year round commitment. This is the most challenging aspect of my work as we receive no Arts Council funding and are reliant on grants and donations to survive.
Can you give us a little insight into what’s gone into this production?
As owner of Mid Wales Dance Academy, some of my students are involved in the community side of the production and I am responsible for them during rehearsals and performances.
The most enjoyable part of my involvement is show time! I love being part of the technical team which involves creating the stage lighting and projections and making sure the shows run smoothly and trouble shooting when necessary.
It takes a huge team of volunteers to put on a professional production, including costume and scenery makers, backstage technical team, chaperones for the children and many more people who give up their time to be involved. Without their help Brecon Festival Ballet would not be here!
COMING SOON
In addition to their celebrated annual production of “The Nutcracker”, Brecon Festival Ballet presents a new double bill.
Tanio'r Ddraig and Swan Lake Act 2
Saturday 6th April | 7.30pm
Sunday 7th April | 2.30pm (Relaxed Performance) & 7.30pm
Swan Lake Act 2 is one of the most iconic acts in classical ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music in which Prince Siegfried meets the Swan Queen Odette, accompanied by a corps de ballet of 16 swans dancing in mesmerising unison. Original choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov.
Tanio’r Ddraig is choreographer Katy Sinnadurai’s lovesong to Wales, featuring some of Wales’s best known traditional songs (such as Myfanwy, Men of Harlech, Tros Y Garreg, & Sospan Fach) and represents snapshots from the life of a Welsh town, including significant moments such as the town’s Eisteddfod, a local love story and the defence of the town. There are also comic interludes, seaside reminiscences and, always by our side, the presence of Y Ddraig Goch.
This new ballet has additional original music composed by local pianist, Penny Hughes, who accompanies the ballet live. The scenery features beautiful original paintings of Wales by Brecon-based artist, Phil Clark.
Brecon Little Theatre return to Theatr B! with a family classic!
Thursday 30th May | 4pm (Family Friendly Performance - £35 Family of 4 Ticket Available)
Friday 31st May | 7pm
Saturday 1st June | 2pm & 7pm
Sunday 2nd June | 12pm & 4pm
Join Brecon Little Theatre in their 94th year as they bring Lionel Bart’s beloved musical Oliver! to Theatr Brycheiniog. Watch this musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel spring to life, full of classic award winning songs including “Food, Glorious Food”, “Consider Yourself”, “As Long as He Needs Me” and “Oom Pah Pah!”, memorable characters, and of course, the best of Brecon’s very own talent on and off stage. This production is sure to have you asking for more...!
Under 2s Attend for Free: No need to book a seat for children under 2 as long as you are happy for them to sit on your lap, babes-in-arms are free!
Wednesday 8th May | 7.30pm
The world is grey, the world is joyless, the world has no song! Yet Luna dreams in colour.
Soon her dreams come to life as she travels to different worlds of entertainment, facing the Evil Queen to bring colour back to her world.
Join Luna on her adventures as she breaks down barriers, forms friendships and brings joy to the world.
Using a mixture of movement, drama, song and film Theatr Wildcats are back again after their successful performance of 'How To Be Happy'.
Theatr Wildcats is an inclusive theatre group for adults with Learning Disabilities who devise their performances based on life experience.
DINNER AND A SHOW
Our canal side cafe is such a great place to relax and spend time, whether it is before a show, for breakfast, lunch or coffee and cake, we have menus for all occasions.
Breakfast is available from 9am - 11.30am
Lunch is available from 12pm - 3.30pm
Evening meals are available before all shows.
Gluten-free and vegan options available.
Come and experience the joy and wonder of live theatre with us!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTS THEATR B!
Volunteering is at the heart of our community spirit. If you're passionate about the arts and want to contribute, consider joining our volunteer team. Whether it's stewarding shows, distributing brochures, or assisting with marketing, your enthusiasm can make a difference. Fill out our volunteer form and be a vital part of Theatr Brycheiniog's vibrant community, please email us on jobs@brycheiniog.co.uk or call 01874 611 622 for an application form.
For families, our theatre is breaking traditions to be baby and child-friendly. Our relaxed performances welcome noise, movement, and ensure a positive experience for the youngest members of our audience. Theatr B! is family-friendly, we aim to create magical memories for all.
As a registered charity working to serve the community, the Theatr is always in need of extra support, whether for improvements to the building or to support community projects. Please visit our Support Us page to see how you can help.
Want to support us? you can donate by text, simply text THEATRB followed by your donation amount to 70450 to give that amount. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message. Thank you for your support.
For further information on all of our upcoming performances and events, and to book tickets, please visit www.brycheiniog.co.uk or contact our Box Office on 01874 611 622
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